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Mac’s Brew News – March 12, 2017 (Farewell to Valiant Brewing)

I heard at church this morning that Valiant Brewing in Orange, California, is closing it’s doors at the end of this month (March, 2017). After hearing the rumor, I went home and checked on line to confirm. Unfortunately, the news is true.

Valiant brewing, after 4 years in business in Orange, California, is permanently closing it’s doors at the end of March. That’s really unfortunate, as they truely are one of the great breweries in Orange County. The owner/head brewer, Brian Schroepfer, opened Valiant on February 13,2013. I went to the tasting room late that same year (2013) and was immediately impressed. Their quality and selection has improved since then to become what it is today. One of their IPAs, Citcoe Drive, was proudly served at my annual beer tasting party in September 2016. Really good stuff!

Unfortunately, Brian refused to consider outside investors for his brewery (I understand, Brian – you could lose control of your creativity, your dream, and your “manifest destiny”). If you ever read this, Brian, understand that I would have invested money with no strings attached, just to keep your brewery doing what it does so well (brewing great beer). When I found out you were closing, my wife suggested that I buy Valiant Brewing. I don’t think I would have done it, but that’s irrelevant, as the equipment was already sold.

After getting this sad news, I immediately went down to Valiant Brewing with Bob Waddell and Russ Matulich to have some excellent beer this fine Sunday afternoon. After a Coconut Imperial Brown Ale and a Chernny Medved with coffee (Chocolate/Cherry/Coffee Imperial Russian Stout), and a few sips of California Gloom (a New England style IPA), I left with a growler of the Coconut Brown Ale. It doesn’t get any better than this!

To Brian Schroepfer and Valiant Brewing, a sincere thanks for 4 years of “blood, sweat and beers.” You will be sorely missed, but never forgotten!!